Co-Creating Pivotal Moments: Narrative Practice and Neuroscience

Abstract

This article describes important features and benefits of pivotal moments, suggests how they may contribute to the co-construction of a hopeful story that is alternative to the problem story, and investigates particular ways to co-create such “aha” moments in the context of narrative therapy. Examining the effects of “therapist posture” and “externalizing conversations” in this process, the text proposes possible convergences between aspects of narrative practice and findings of neuroscience, noting potential advantages of encouraging “movement” across narrative “territory” and between cerebral hemispheres and, as a result of such convergences, potential enhanced understanding, precision, and conviction with respect to therapeutic practice. A partial interview transcript illustrates observations offered in the text.